Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
The Green – a living history
This week it is an honour to acknowledge one of the most famous residents of the Green and his achievements and his present achievement that has won him many wonderful reviews. This week we remember Jack Harte formerly of no.33. Jack was born in Killeenduff, near Easkey, Co Sligo, Ireland. When he was nine years old along with his mother Lollie and father John, brothers and sisters they moved to the Green, where his father John took up work with Bord-na-Mona.
From Jack’s biography we learn of his working life that started as a bog labourer with Bord-na-Mona and then went to Dublin to take up a job on the docks. He worked as a bus conductor, a courier, a laboratory technician, an executive officer in the Civil Service. For many years he was a teacher in Clondalkin, and finished his working career as Principal of Lucan Community College.
Jack’s prolific writing began in 1979 when he wrote 24 schoolbooks between then and 1991. Jack then went on to write short stories beginning with Murphy in the Underworld, 1986. In 1992 his novella, Homage, and his second collection of stories, Birds and other Tails, were published 1996. Jack then followed up with From Under Gogol’s Nose, in 2004, along with Lament for the Birds, a CD of his stories and songs commissioned by Sligo County Council. Individual stories have been published in magazines and anthologies in Ireland, Britain, U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, Finland, India, Bulgaria, and Russia.
In 2006 Jack had In the Wake of the Bagger, published. Locally, as well as nationally, it proved to be a bestseller as it recounted the movement of his family from Killeenduff to Lanesboro. It was an absolutely brilliant read with the movement meaning so much to so many people locally. As a matter of fact, two weeks ago a man called into the shop looking for Ballyclare. Having read the book he wanted to trace the movement to Lanesboro. I directed him to no 33 and he was delighted that he was learning first-hand the story of the book.
On Monday 24th August Jack made his debut into theatre when the first play he wrote ‘Language of the Mute’ was staged in the New Theatre in Dublin. The play ran until the 5th September to pack out audiences. Jack’s play got wonderful reviews and it looks like Jack has added another successful string to his already successfully strung bow.
Lanesboro Boxing Club
Lanesborough boxing Club reopened on Monday night 7th Sep 15 at 7pm in the Lough Ree Resource Building (old convent) Main Street Lanesborough. New members welcome, ages between 8-18 years both boys and girls. For further info contact Mark Casey 0872317669
50/50 and All Ireland Ticket Draw
The 50/50 draw took place last Monday night last as usual and the winner this week of the prize of €378 prize was Sharon Rooney, Rathcline. Envelopes are available throughout the town priced only at €2 and it could be your turn to be a winner next time.
Gaye Skelly, Newtowncashel, struck it lucky once again in a Rathcline draw when she was drawn out as winner of the 2 Premium stand tickets for last Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling Final.
Church Thefts
Over the past number of weeks there have been a number of thefts or attempted thefts at candelabra’s at many churches locally. There were robberies at Ballyleague, Cashel and Killashee as well as attempted thefts at Lanesboro and many other local churches. It is very important that we are all remain very vigilant about local churches. With the evenings closing it is very important in that we become more security conscious in and around our homes and become more aware of strangers and strange movement of cars and vans in our locality. If you see anything that you think is suspicious please ring local Gardaí Lanesboro 3321102, Longford 3350570 or Roscommon 09066 38300. Any of the above numbers, if proven to be suspicious, will immediately came out on the text alert. It is very important that you get registration of vehicles and if possible make and mode when reporting.
Up for the Match
The call is out for all the Rathcline faithful to join in ‘Up for the Match’ on Friday night in Adie’s. The event will begin at 10pm. Benny O’Brien will be the MC on the night and it promises to be a mighty night of memories, stories and tales of the past and present that will create a great atmosphere and excitement for Sunday. It is said that a special guest will be there on the night. There will be one magnificent prize on the night for one lucky person who will receive an overnight B&B in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin with an evening meal. There will be several other prizes of club merchandise to be won on the night. Music on the night will be supplied by Jimmy Hussey and refreshments will be served.
Grab your club colour and come to Adie’s on Friday night for what will be a fabulous night of fun, laughter and entertainment.
New Bridge season begins
The new Bridge season for the Lanesboro Bridge Club will commence on this Wednesday 9th September in St. Mary’s Hall at 7.45pm
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Elizabeth and Jimmy Tarmey and family, Cloontuskert on the recent death of Elizabeth’s sister Mrs. Ann Coughlan, Laurenstown, Co. Galway
All Roads lead to Pearse Park
Sunday next all roads will lead to Pearse Park for the County Intermediate Championship Final that has a throw in time of 3.30pm. Adding spice to the game is the fact that is a local derby with Killashee and one way or another the Hennessy Cup will come out the Lanesboro Road from Longford, it is just a matter of where it rests for the coming year.
The Gareth Johnston managed panel have work very hard to make it to this day and we are sure that all their hard work will pay off and the tile will make its way to the parish of Rathcline.
It is 10 years ago since we contested an Intermediate County Final and this time our young men are determined to make amends and bring our team back to senior championship status. There is no doubt but we have a talented bunch of players well fit to win this final. To win it everyone must be carrying their weight and pushing hard for victory.
Killashee, under the management of local Ballyleague man Ray Curley, offer a huge challenge having already beaten favorites Sean Connolly’s in the semi-final. They play a fast open game of football and are deserving of their final place.
We hope that there will be a massive turnout from the entire area to support our lads, we look forward to seeing a sea of green, white and blue all over Pearse Park.
We are hoping that the entire parish will be festooned in the club colors. The bunting on the street makes the town look great and has started to create the buildup of excitement for Sunday.
We wish the panel and team management the very best of luck for a hugely successful day on Sunday
The club, from Wednesday, will have Zip Up tops sizes from XS to XL €35, T-Shirts XS to XL €25. Already car flags are on sale €10 for a pair will have all on sale in O’Brien’s.
Exhibition extended
Such is the interest in the history display of the businesses of Lanesboro and Ballyleague 1900 to the present day in the library that it has been decided to run the exhibition right through the month of September. The presentation is on display during the opening hours of the library: Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2 to pm, Wednesday 2 to 8pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm, Saturday 10 to 1pm.
White Collar Boxing
Following the extraordinary success of the Strictly Come Dancing over the Bridge by the Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s clubs they are coming together this year for White Collar Boxing on Saturday 14th November. Both clubs are actively seeking participants and if you are interested in taking part you should contact Lorraine 087-6827966, Susan 087-1748299 or Derek 087-8172668.
White Collar Boxing has really taken off throughout the country and has proven to be hugely popular and successful. The boxing is strictly amateur so no previous experience is necessary. Training and coaching will be provided in the lead up to the night and your participation will be greatly appreciated by both clubs. There will be an information night on Friday 18th September in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse at 9pm for anyone remotely interested. This will clear up any concerns anyone has and the trainers will explain all aspects
Ciaran goes International
Local man Ciaran Glennon, head chef at Ireland’s only 2star Patrick Guilbaud restaurant in Dublin will be part of the Irish team in the Battle of the Bites that will take place in the newly acquired Donald Trump hotel in Doonbeg in October. Ciaran along with other leading Irish chefs Graham Neville, Restaurant 41 and Ross Lewis, Chapter One will make up the team and they will take on the leading three chefs from the USA in what should be a real treat for the 100 diners attending. Both teams will serve a five course dinner each night and the €30 per person fee includes both dinners as well as a drinks reception with canapés both nights. Accommodation is extra and can be booked through www.trumphotelcollection.com/ireland
We wish Ciaran and his team the very best of luck and it is again wonderful to see one of our own achieving such high standards recognised worldwide.
ICA
Lanesboro Guild will resume meetings on Wednesday 9th September at 8.00p.m. in St. Mary’s Hall. All members are requested to attend. New members most welcome.
Badminton Club AGM
Lanesboro/Ballyleague Badminton Club are holding their AGM on Thursday the 17th September in St. Marys Hall Lanesboro at 9pm. All members are requested to attend. New members are welcome as always
The local hub is now preparing a plan for the 2015 World Predator Boat fishing championships which will take place here on Lough Ree in October 2015.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Patrick Clancy son of Stephen and Anne Clancy, Dublin and formerly Rathcline Road, and Niamh Fahy daughter of Tommie and Mary Jo Fahy, Strokestown who were married on Saturday last in Dublin.
Updated Library events
Book Club
Next Book Club meeting is on Friday 25th September at 11am where the book for discussion will be ‘The Lives of Women’ by Christine Dwyer-Hickey.
Knitting & Crochet Group resumes on Monday 7th September 2 – 4pm. All welcome.
ESOL Class (English for speakers of other languages) – Registration for the class will take place in the library on Tuesday 8th September 7-9pm.
Active age group resumes on Tuesday 8th September 3-4pm. All welcome.
Lasraí Writers Group meeting will take place on Monday 14th September 7-9pm. New members always welcome.
French Conversational Classes at Lanesboro Library
These classes are aimed at adults wishing to develop their conversational skills and are particularly suited to people travelling abroad or even for parents wishing to help their children with their homework.
The French class will commence on Wednesday October 14th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Each six week course costs €30.
Pre-booking is advisable as numbers for each class are limited. To do this or to obtain further details please contact Lanesboro Library on 043 3321291
A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague
Our exhibition ‘A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague – 1900-2015’ will remain in the library until the end of September. Please drop in and have a look at the array of historical photographs and artefacts on display.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder The library staff is still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
Lough Ree Angling Hub
A few key areas are being focussed on. 200 anglers and friends will be traveling here and the hub wants to see as many of these people staying locally as possible. Many of the International teams will actually also travel here during the early summer next year to try out the fishing on the lake so we need houses and homes to host them.
In recent weeks Chairman Hugh Keane has been speaking to the new owners of the Convent of Mercy and the Lough Ree Arms and many other local house owners. It is encouraging to hear that we will have bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation in some numbers available for the first time in more than fifteen years here in the town soon.
If you would like to register your home for self-catering accommodation please speak to Hugh at 087 1010032.
The angling hub is assisting the National Course Fishing Federation of Ireland to source funding to host the championships here in 2016 and last Friday our secretary Philip Gordon travelled to Dublin with Tina Adams from our Hub Hospitality committee to meet with Failte Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Waterways Ireland . A very successful meeting took place in the city and our thanks to Philip and Tina for representing the hub. We will meet the Ballymahon Municipal area members of Longford county council later in September to pursue further support.
To stage the world championships the hub will need to assemble approximately 40 boats for use by the International teams and the officials every day. These boats must have 10HP engines, fish finders fitted and a fully experienced owner prepared to sail with each boat every day and assist the fishermen where necessary. Each boat owner will be paid a special allowance each day. If you wish to register your boat for use or find out more please contact the hub secretary Philip Gordon or e mail: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
The 2016 world championships will be here on Lough Ree but the 2015 event takes place in Estonia at the end of this month and the hub is putting a plan in place to help promote our area for all competitors and will be producing a new brochure with local information on accommodation, food, facilities etc. To place an ad in the brochure please contact Ciaran Mullooly who has agreed to help compile the new brochure or Treasurer Alan Farrell in the Yacht Bar. Ciaran can be contacted at 0433327691 or by e mail at: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
The Lough Ree angling hub is working with all local clubs and fishing men and women to make the championships a great success. Our monthly meetings will take place on the 2nd Tuesday at 9pm at various venues around the town so please come along.
Rathcline GAA
Intermediate Championship Final – This week it’s all about the big one next Sunday 13th September as we face our neighbours Killashee in the final of the Intermediate Championship in Pearse Park at 3.30pm. Since we beat Cashel in the semi-final the interest in Rathcline is great to see in the town. The flags are out in force and the town is decked out in Rathcline bunting. This will be our first final in ten years and we’re hoping the team can do the parish proud. We hope that as many people as possible from the parish come into Pearse Park on Sunday to cheer the team on. Best of luck to all the players, Gareth and his management team. Let’s hope we are celebrating this time next week!
“Up For The Match” – We are holding an “Up For The Match” night this Friday September 11th at 10pm in Adie’s. There will be expert analysis on the night, guest speakers and M.C for the night will be Benny O’Brien. Music will be by Jimmy Hussey and refreshments will be served on the night. A draw will take place on the night for numerous prizes. Tickets are currently available for €5 and all tickets will be entered into the draw. Let’s hope it’s the start of a great weekend!
Club Merchandise – In the run up to the final we have a limited amount of Rathcline club merchandise for sale. Adult zip tops will cost €35, t-shirts €25 and kids’ hoddies €20. They have kindly been sponsored by Warren Linnane of Sky Materials, New York. Rathcline car flags will be on sale from Tuesday onwards for €5. All of this merchandise will be available in O’Brien’s Corner Shop. A limited amount of large and medium sized Rathcline flags are also available.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Sharon Rooney, Rathcline, who was last week’s winner of €378 in our 50/50 draw.
All-Ireland hurling final tickets – Congratulations to Gaye Skelly, Newtowncashel, who was our winner of the premium level tickets to Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final.
St. Faithleach’s
Senior League: Result: Boyle 4-15 St. Faithleach’s 0-11. Team: S. O’Connor, J. Sweeney, D. Murray, B. Scally, D. Harrison ( 0-1 ), K. Farrell, M. Cox (0-1), B. Murtagh, C. Gunn, D. Hussey ( 0-1 ), C. Murtagh( 0-3)J. Hussey( 0-1), P. Brennan. D. Murtagh (0-4), Steven Walsh. Sub: Alan Manning
U14 Boys Division 3 Championship: Result: Kilbride 3-5 St Faithleach’s 7-18. Team – J. Tucker, D. Kilcoyne, A. Glennon, J. P O’Reilly (1-0), M. Silva, A. Hegarty , J. Browne (0-1), L. Ormsby (1-5), M. Dunne (1-1), C. Glennon, R. Banahan (0-3), C. O’Brien (3-6), J. Murray (1-2). Sub: O. McGowan, K. Gallagher, N. McGovern, L. Kilcoyne, M. O’Brien, F. Dunne, C. Neil Smyth, C. Gannon, K. Hannon. County Final St Faithleach’s vs St Michaels date and venue TBC.
U10 Girls: Play St. Barry’s Thursday 10th at 7pm.
Drive in Bingo: Our next Drive in Bingo takes place on Sunday 13th September at 3pm on club grounds. Fantastic prizes to be won and a great family day. Cards: Every Tuesday night at 8:30 pm in the club house. Winners; Dan/Gerry, Joint second Jimmy/Teresa, P.J/ Padraig, last game John O/Paic.
Mens Shed
Boat winner: Dysart woman Teresa Kelly is celebrating her success this week after sailing away with a beautifully crafted new wooden lake boat in the Ballyleague and Lanesborough area Mens Shed raffle.
Teresa hails from Feevaghmore in Dysart and bought the winning ticket from Mens Shed member and boat builder John Burke. The boat was made by master boat builder Tom Conlon and a team of skilled trainees over 12 weeks earlier this year and last week Teresa’s name was one of hundreds that went into the barrel for the raffle. A large crowd of mens shed members and the trainees who built the boat were on hand in the Lifebelt Bar, Ballyleague to see Councillor Kathleen Shanagher pull the winning ticket from the drum and a great cheer went up when John Burke was on hand to confirm the lucky winner. John then arranged for the beautifully crafted boat to be handed over to its new owner. The mens shed group wish Teresa many happy hours in her new boat.
The group also wish to thank each and every person who sold tickets for the raffle and everyone in the pubs and shops who helped promote the event. It was a great team effort.
The mens shed group has enjoyed its traditional summer break and will soon be re-assembling. This week they were invited to attend an up-cycling Event for Men’s Sheds on the 19th September 2015 hosted by Castlerea Men’s Shed at the VTOS centre and supported by Roscommon County Council.
Up-cycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming unwanted objects or waste materials into products of better quality. This event is Free of Charge. Lunch will be provided.
There will be two workshops Up-cycle your Furniture Workshop and Creating Garden Furniture from Pallets. These two different workshops will be on twice on the day.
The Up-cycle Furniture Workshops (3 hours) will take place on the day at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. Members are invited to bring an item of small furniture and up-cycle it by giving it a whole new lease of life with chalk paints. There are a maximum of 10 participants for this workshop and spaces so book quickly to avoid disappointment.
The Revival Roadshow will be giving a demonstration on Creating Garden Furniture from Pallets which was hugely popular at this year’s Bloom Festival at 12 O’clock and 2pm
To take part please return a completed booking form by Friday, 11th September via post to Suzanne Dempsey, Environment Section, Roscommon County Council, The Courthouse, Roscommon or via e-mail to sdempsey@roscommoncoco.ie or call me at 0906637268.